What is the EJA?

Equal Justice Associates (EJA) is a group of young lawyers working to develop resources for Legal Aid's programs and educate the public about the need for civil legal services to the poor.  The EJA helps to defend the rights of those who otherwise could not afford access to justice by building support for Legal Aid's mission among Maryland advocates early in their careers.  The EJA is working to create a strong network of attorneys that will become leaders in the philanthropic community and leaders in their profession willing to serve as ambassadors and fundraisers for Legal Aid.  

EJA members come from firms large and small all over the greater Baltimore/Washington region.  Members make a personal contribution of $50 annually and work to solicit contributions from friends, peers, law firms and professional organizations. EJA's annual fundraising event, Asked and Answered, promotes greater public awareness for Legal Aid programs and serves to recruit new membership. The group participates in Pro-Bono opportunities, receives free professional development and training sessions and is mentored by the Equal Justice Council a group of private bar attorneys raising funds for Legal Aid chaired by Andrew Jay Graham, Esq. of Kramon & Graham, P.A. and Benjamin Rosenberg, Esq. of Rosenberg Martin Greenberg LLP.

The EJA executive committee is charged with implementing the overall volunteer efforts of the group including membership recruitment, event organizing, and relationship buidling.  John J. Lovejoy, Esq. of Shapiro Sher Guinot & Sandler is Chair.  He is joined on the committee by Benjamin A. Kelley, Esq. of Ballard Spahr LLP; Lisa Hall Johnson, Esq. of Dickstein Shaoiro LLP; E. Regine Francois, Esq. of Robert A. Ades & Associates; and Sidney A. Butcher of Baltimore's State's Attorney's Office. Without widespread participation from Maryland's private bar firms, Legal Aid can not meet the basic civil legal needs of the poor.  By  increasing membership and asking new members to gain financial support from their respective firms, EJA is doing its part to share in the cost of providing an essential service that many of us take for granted. 

The Resource Development Unit of Legal Aid works closely with the EJC to provide administrative and informational support to increase contributions to the organization. To join in this worthy cause, contact Susan Shubin at 410/951-7706.